Twitch has rolled out a pricing update that’s making gifted subs pricier in some regions. The change was spotted earlier this week and now adds extra fees to gifted subscriptions at checkout. Instead of seeing a flat rate, viewers gifting subs now get hit with additional taxes and fees, making each gifted sub more expensive.
Price increase for the gift subs
Twitch confirmed to Dexerto that the price changes are part of how regional taxes, VAT and other local charges are applied. The platform said they’re now separating those costs at checkout instead of baking them into the price. While this may make accounting cleaner on Twitch’s end, it’s not sitting well with viewers or creators.
We’ve already seen posts on Reddit and social media from viewers who are gifting fewer subs. Some have even stopped gifting altogether. One user reported that a single gifted sub that used to cost $4.99 now totals more than $6 after added fees. Another said they gifted 10 subs and were shocked to pay almost $70.
The effect on streamers
For streamers, this could mean fewer spontaneous gifted sub bombs during streams. Gifted subs are one of the biggest ways small and medium creators grow their communities and hit revenue goals. When prices jump like this without much warning, it creates friction in what used to be an easy, feel-good action.
Twitch didn’t announce this change in advance, and that lack of communication is part of the frustration. Gifted subs are part of Twitch’s identity. For a lot of creators, these random moments of generosity from viewers are more impactful than regular monthly subs.
Criticisms on Twitch
This change also comes at a time when Twitch is already under scrutiny for recent decisions around revenue splits, fee adjustments, and unclear communication. For creators who rely on gifted subs for income and community building, this update is a reminder that platform changes don’t always put creators first.
Twitch is getting more transparent about taxes and fees, but the timing and presentation of this change feel out of touch. This forces creators who depend on gifted subs to encourage their audience do do other forms of support, like direct donations or Patreon memberships, while viewers adjust to the new prices.